Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed officials to prepare a detailed expansion plan for the runway at Amravati Airport, citing the region's increasing industrial activity and potential for revenue generation. The directive was issued during the 91st meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) held in Mumbai.
The CM emphasised the need to extend the existing 1,850m runway to 3,000m for accommodating larger aircraft and enhancing air connectivity. This move follows the recent inauguration of Amravati Airport's first commercial flight under the ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik' (Udan) scheme, which marked the city's entry into India's aviation map.
In addition to the runway expansion, Fadnavis highlighted the establishment of Air India's pilot training institute at Amravati, which is poised to become the largest in South Asia. This development is expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities in the aviation sector.
For Chandrapur Airport, Fadnavis suggested extending the runway to allow for chartered aircraft operations. He also directed officials to look for two to three alternate locations for setting up an airstrip in Gadchiroli.
With Nashik and Trimbakeshwar set to host Kumbh Mela in 2027, the CM approved infrastructure upgrades at Shirdi Airport, including the construction of two helipads and eight vehicle parking bays. Given Shirdi Airport's proximity to Nashik, these enhancements aim to facilitate the influx of pilgrims and ease transit during the religious event.
Fadnavis also underscored the importance of accelerating development work at Latur Airport to support its rising significance in the Marathwada region. The upgraded facility is expected to serve neighbouring districts such as Beed and Dharashiv. Additionally, he called for the speedy execution of work at Karad Airport, including provisions for night landing.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of airport works in Ratnagiri, Akola, Kolhapur, Nanded, and Dhule. Officials said that 16 regional air routes are currently operational under the Udan scheme, with eight more proposals submitted to govt.
Senior officials from the finance, transport, and industry departments, including additional chief secretaries OP Gupta and Sanjay Sethi, and MIDC CEO P Velrasu, were present during the meeting.